Round 15 – Preview: Blues, Power and Swans in the three tight ones

 

Greetings All,

 

Ted might be grumpy about not getting the two byes for the season, however the indications from the crowds are that they too are taking a bye during this three block.  Having that twice a year may not be in the competition’s best interest.

 

Or are there other factors for the lull?  Undoubtedly the weather gods have not shone and even the comfort of the loungeroom could not muster 30,000 to St Kilda and Geelong.  Time will ultimately tell.  The key factor the League needs to watch with crowds will be that so many games from here on being effectively meaningless.  The eight is set bar for jockeying for barrier positions and realistically those outside are happy with bragging rights with meaningless wins, but they may be better served in the long term with alternative results.

 

Now to select in this week’s handful of fixtures.

 

FTBB ($1.03) vs Russia ($26)

 

The Bomber 12 now have a few mates joining them in purgatory and the ones that remain will be no match for the Eagle who will dine out at home against inferior opposition.

 

Coming Hombsch ($1.40) vs Dusted Off ($3.35)

 

Dimma was grumpy about the Tigers lack of killer instinct and allowing the Lions to get some respectability.  But no issues with Dustin Martin who is putting together a stellar season and could have an impact on the Monday before the Grand Final.  They travel to the Portress whose tenant is likely to welcome back Schulz and Hombsch, both very handy additions.  Port being on their home deck are a tougher proposition and they will be keen to bounce back from the loss to Freo.  Port to win, but Tigers not without hope if they can dictate proceedings so $3 is fair.

 

Dawn? ($1.83) vs Feline Tamers ($2.08)

 

Are the Suns rising?  A meritorious effort against the Hawks and some quality returning – can they turn it on against the Cat Killers.  The Saints not Sinners turned up and showed their best is very good.  On form the Saints a hard to tip against, but their record away from the Loungeroom leaves a bit to be desired.  A new dawn might be appearing on the Gold Coast and tipping them in a flip of the coin game.

 

Randwick ($1.41) vs Easton out West ($3.30)

 

The Giants and Blues were appropriately scheduled in the graveyard timeslot last week, but they have it wrong this week with the Swans and Dogs promising an enticing encounter.  The Dogs looked outclassed last outing as the Cats mauled them, but with the prospective return of Johannisen and Wood they look much better.  Sydney don’t have Tippett, but they do have Buddy and the venue is the SCG.  Swans to win in a great contest.

 

Murphy Muffled ($2.14) vs Cloke Daggered ($1.83)

 

Whether Travis is selected or not surely the language from the bakery would indicate he is not a key ingredient for 2017.  He would be a tough match up for the Blues at the moment who have struggled in defence for the last two games.  More importantly their goal kicking woes from the start of the season have re-emerged.  Meanwhile the Pies got motoring last week, notwithstanding the lack of any opposition from Fremantle.  The Blues will present more of a challenge despite the missing skipper and doubt the Collingwood midfield will be handed such easy possession.  They’re not playing for sheep stations, but this will be a great test for both clubs to measure each other up.  Reckon the Blues can do it again, but probably seeing it through those Blue goggles.

 

Pants on Fire ($3.60) vs Chardy Sippers ($1.37)

 

Liar, liar Bernie – but it might be his old club dishing out the headaches this week.  They have won five on the trot and three of them against top eight teams.  Bernie’s boys the Demons should be looking to this contest one to make statement to the competition that they can win out of turn.  Aside from the aberrations of the opening two rounds they have been compliant – beating who they should and folding to teams above them.  The Dees need a big scalp and I reckon they can bring the Crows’ winning streak to an end.

 

Friar Time

 

This week we are mourning the death of our first senior coach, Ray Keane.  Instrumental in starting the club 30 years ago and has left a great legacy at both the club and the college, along with the other clubs and schools he was associated with.  On the field the Friars got back on track winning a 40 goal shoot out with the top team St Marys, this week PEGS venture to Friar Park.  The Under 19s went down to Old Carey and host St Bedes in the first act of a triple header at Friar Park.  Vote early and get to the Friars!

 

Go Blues, Go Friars,

 

Cheers, Sal